Counting down to glory

Located in northeast Beijing's Shunyi district, the National Ice Sports Arena for People with Impairments began operation in December. Among its cutting-edge facilities are world-class ice rinks tailored to Paralympic standards, a rehabilitation center and accommodation areas to help Chinese para-athletes fine-tune their skills in wheelchair curling and para-hockey.

The arena has been designed specifically to cater to people with disabilities. Elevator buttons are at foot level, for example, while restrooms offer similar ease of use. Motion-sensor doors open automatically and the corners of walls are arced to prevent bumps and bruises.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, has lauded China's commitment to taking winter para-sports participation to the next level in the world's most populous nation.

"The investment that China is making in winter para-sports is impressive and the number of persons with disabilities that they want to reach and be engaged in winter sports is just incredible," Parsons said during a video message sent to the opening session of the National Paralympic Committee Chefs de Mission webinar for Beijing 2022 on Monday.

During the online meeting, Beijing 2022 organizers delivered an overview of the preparatory work for the Games in areas such as sports program, venue readiness and infrastructure.

According to Beijing 2022's planning and construction department, all five competition venues for the Paralympics were completed by the end of last year.

In addition, Paralympic courses and barrier-free facilities at three snow sports venues－the National Alpine Ski Center in Yanqing, the National Biathlon Center and Genting Snow Park in Zhangjiakou－were tested during a series of domestic competitions last month.

The other two ice venues－the National Aquatics Center and the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, which will host wheelchair curling and para-ice hockey respectively－will be evaluated in April.

Construction and refurbishment of 25 non-competition venues for media operations, ceremonies and accommodation will be completed by August.

Parsons stressed that, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the international para-sports community is fully confident that Beijing 2022 will be held safely and on schedule, offering the best possible platform for athletes to showcase their talent.